Datacentroid

ABSTRACT

A modular, expandable, and flexible computer system device is provided. The computer system device comprising a multiple number of individual modules interconnected physically via ‘back plane’ means with each module independently processing and executing specified computer functions utilizing internal or shared resources. Electrical power distribution and data communications are positioned between modules with the electrical power distribution and data communications internal to the base unit module.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of my application having Ser. No.11/496,389, filed Jul. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,195,625, issuedJun. 5, 2012, and which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference, and which also claims the benefit of priority of myprovisional patent application Ser. No. 60/704,330, filed on Aug. 1,2005, entitled “Data Centroid”.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a method of redesigning and‘re-packaging’ current personal computers. The design concept addressesthe need to provide better computer security, flexible capabilities toadapt to new technologies and change the “all-in-one” philosophy ofintegrating/installing all Software applications into ‘One box’.

2 Description of the Prior Art

The introduction of the digital computer revolutionized methods ofcomputing, processing data, and controlling other devices and systems. Acomputer is a general purpose (Hardware/Software) tool built around amicroprocessor. It is defined as a small, single-user computer based ona microprocessor, a keyboard, a monitor, and a memory storage device forsaving and retrieving data.

Since the introduction of the personal computer (PC), consumers haveaccepted and embraced the personal computer as an integral part ofsociety. To meet consumer demand, personal computers have evolved byexpanding its capabilities and options. Incorporating new technologiessuch as the Internet, allowing a user to be connected to the world;communicating and exchanging information at a click of a button. To meetconsumer demand and controlling cost, companies have adopted the ‘all inone’ philosophy and have focused their efforts internally to thecomputer. An ‘all in one’ philosophy is where all improvements and allsoftware products (current, new future) are internally installed intoone computer, thus creating a single point of failure’ possibility.

Due to antiquated computer design, growing competition, softwarecomplexity and security concerns, computers require a change inphilosophy and a new method of controlling and processing information.

Therefore, it is the objective of the present invention to addresscurrent and future computer flaws by providing alternative solutions tocurrent Computer design. Solutions consists of a change in the ‘all inone’ philosophy, providing a new more modular design, maximizingcomputer data control/security, and providing a flexible design to adaptand meet new technologies.

SUMMARY

The above objectives are met by re-designing current integrated computerarchitecture and adapting to a new modular means of housing andprocessing data. The DataCentroid modular concept simplifies, separatesor groups specific software products or functions (softwareapplications) into supporting individual hardware units that easilyinstalls to one another. An example of a modular function will be Emailcapabilities (FIG. 1, Dc-2). At the user level, the modular concept doesnot change how the user interacts with the computer but the user canvisually see the physical changes in computer appearance. Advantages ofthe modular design to consumers include greater capability to controland protect personal data/property, the power to grant/deny access to aselected vendor, greater capability to completely monitor, control, orremove a vendor when services are no longer needed without hassle,inexpensive means to upgrade, adapt, and expand to new technologies andinnovative products. Additionally, home computers are no longer the onlydevices capable of storing, sharing, or communicating via the Internetso utilizing and incorporating patented technology (U.S. Pat. No.6,660,950), the consumer will have greater security and control of suchdevices (wireless, smart appliances, smart homes).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the present Invention with associated individual Dcmodules and functions:

-   -   Dc-1 (Operating system S/W, Monitoring System, Access Control,        Data Processing, Maintenance Manager, Data/Equipment protection        manager (firewall), Internet Radio, Web Browser, Modem, and Data        Line switch, The data line switch is patented under U.S. Pat.        No. 6,660,950, owned by the inventor of the present application,        and herein hereby incorporated by reference.    -   Dc-2 (Audio and Video E-Mail, Pop-Up Manager, Cookie Manager,        Anti-virus, Messenger Manage).    -   Dc-3 (Multi Purpose Seamier/reader for current and future data        formats and types (mediums).    -   Dc-4 (Anonymous Manager, Encryption Manager).    -   Dc-5 (E-Commerce).    -   Dc-6 (Parental Controls).    -   Dc-7 (Independent/Expandable data Warehouse, Extra Memory).    -   Dc-8 (Internet Phone & Video conferencing).    -   Dc-9 (Wireless Data Manager).

FIG. 1a illustrates one embodiment of the base unit components (Dc-1).

FIG. 1 b illustrates the multi layer data inspection and processing.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment with a direct application toE-commerce.

FIG. 2a illustrates one embodiment with a direct application toE-commerce. FIG. 2b illustrates one embodiment with a direct applicationto E-commerce.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment with a direct application to InternetParental controls.

FIG. 3a illustrates one embodiment with a direct application to InternetParental controls.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment with a direct application to Internetphone and video conferencing functions.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment with a direct application to Internetwireless data manager.

FIG. 5a illustrates one embodiment with a direct application to Internetwireless data manager.

FIG. 6 illustrates the ethernet switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, drawings will be shown and herein described with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention and its comprised design andcomponents. According to the illustration, the modular concept separatesor groups specific software products or functions (softwareapplications) into supporting individual hardware units that easilyinstalls on top of one another. A Master/slave design, the Dc-I willhouse all necessary supporting hardware and software applications tostore, update, and perform all necessary functions to control, monitor,processes, and manage all incoming and outgoing data.

FIG. 1a illustrates the base unit design and comprised components.According to the illustration, the hardware components comprise, at aminimum, a computer, a power supply unit, power distribution mechanismmeans (Ex. Backplane), Ethernet switch (data routing), 2 connectionmechanism for electrical power and data communications between base unitand modules.

FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention and its comprised design andcomponents for E-commerce applications. As an individual hardware unit,the DC-5 will house all necessary supporting software applications tostore, update, and perform all necessary E-commerce functions. As anindividual hardware unit, the DC-5 will have the capability to performall assigned E-commerce functions, such as but not limiting to thefollowing:

-   -   Represents user, no one controls it except you.    -   Automatically make online payments without logging in or        utilizing a web site.    -   Allow manual online payments without logging in or utilizing a        web site.    -   Control Online transactions, stop any payment any time. Add or        Remove vendors (anytime).    -   Monitor and make available in real time bank activity        information.    -   Store and make available normal Credit Card when buying online        (secure).    -   House and make available Virtual Credit card—a unique online        credit card, with        -   one origin, that will only be used when buying On-line            (reside internally).    -   Make available the capability for the user to select and input        regular Credit Card number.    -   Secure Online Buying (Encryption).    -   Make available the capability to fill in all necessary online        buying blanks with pre selected data then complete transaction.    -   Interface with user-friendly display and controls.    -   Install, store, and maintain all vendor specific S/W Application        in DC5. Create Unique ID for each vendor.    -   Create unique account for each vendor.    -   Monitor and control all vendor applications.    -   Configure to receive assigned vendor bill.    -   Set up account to receive up to date Credit Card info.

FIG. 2a illustrates the present Online Billing and Paying Set-Up.

FIG. 2b illustrates the present invention and it's comprised functionaldesign for E-commerce applications.

FIG. 3 illustrates the present invention and it's comprised design andcomponents for Parental control applications. As an individual hardwareunit, the DC-6 will house all necessary supporting software applicationsto store, update, and perform all necessary Parental control functions.As an individual hardware unit, the DC-6 will have the capability toperform all assigned parental control functions, such as but notlimiting to the following:

-   -   Monitor and control all Internet activities.    -   Prevent children from changing or by-passing parent settings.    -   Archive and make information available on demand (history,        websites, emails, instant message communications, etc.    -   Immediate alert notification to assigned destination(s).    -   In addition to searching for key words to avoid, set DC-6 to        ONLY allow websites that the parent chooses thus maximizing        protection. Parents can either select from provided selection or        in real time.    -   Interface with user friendly display and control.

FIG. 3a illustrates the present invention and it's comprised functionaldesign for parental control functions.

FIG. 4 illustrates the present invention and its comprised design andcomponents for Internet phone and video conferencing applications. As anindividual hardware unit, the DC-8 will house all necessary supportingsoftware applications to store, update, and perform all necessaryInternet phone and video conferencing functions. As an individualhardware unit, the DC-8 will have tile capability to perform allassigned Internet phone functions, such as but not limiting to thefollowing:

-   -   Interface with user friendly display and controls.    -   Local, regional and long distance service.    -   Check voicemail via phone, e-mail or online.    -   Caller ID.    -   Call Waiting.    -   Call Forwarding.    -   3-Way Calling.    -   In-Network Calling Call Transfer.    -   Call Return, Repeat Dialing.    -   Click-2-Call.    -   911 capabilities.

FIG. 5 illustrates the present invention and its comprised design andcomponents for Wireless data manager applications. As an individualhardware unit, the DC-9 will house all necessary supporting softwareapplications to store, update, and perform all necessary Wireless datamanager functions. As an individual hardware unit, the DC-9 will havethe capability to perform all assigned Wireless data manager functions,such as but not limiting to the following:

-   -   Ability to Encrypt and distribute all types of data        communications such as video, audio and data.    -   Data Security Controls.    -   Communicate with other smart devices.    -   Control other smart devices.    -   Monitor and control all incoming/outgoing wireless data.    -   Interface with user friendly display and controls.    -   Support IEEE standards.    -   Support Ethernet—10 Mbps Twisted Pair (10BaseT).    -   Support Ethernet—100 Mbps Two-Pair (100BaseTX).    -   Support Wireless Ethernet—11 Mbps IEEE802.11b.    -   Support Wireless Ethernet—54 Mbps IEEE802.11a.

FIG. 5a illustrates the present invention and it's comprised functionaldesign for Wireless data manager functions.

RELATED APPLICATION

The conceptual design for the above mentioned Invention is a conceptualdesign but has enormous potential to expand and adapt to current andfuture Internet technologies and innovative hardware/software relatedproducts.

-   1. The present invention is not limited to any existing operating    system or versions. The present invention will perform all tasks on    current software operating system platforms such as Windows or UNIX    platforms.-   2 The present invention is not limited to the PC market. The present    invention can easily be applied without major updates nor costs to    the Internet, automobile, television and cable, entertainment,    financial and housing markets.-   3 The present invention can be applied and function as a primary    replacement of current PC's or can be applied as a secondary    functional device. Installed in series with another PC for maximum    data/equipment protection, all incoming data types will be process    by the invention first before being released to the protected    computer. All outgoing data types will be process by the invention    before allowing release of data type to outside networks.

The foregoing exemplar descriptions and the illustrative preferredembodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawingsand described in detail, with varying modifications and alternativeembodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown,described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled inthe art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, andthat the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to theclaims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention asdisclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of thespecific elements that are disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-contained, stand-alone, modular,expandable, and flexible data access device that controls data deliveryto a computer system being protected and controls data transmittalthrough the device and to and from the computer system comprises: aplurality of individual processing modules, each processing module beingconfigured for independently processing and executing specified computersecurity functions utilizing internal or shared resources; a base modulethat is separately connected in series with the protected computersystem such that incoming data is processed first before being releasedto the protected computer system and includes an operating system forcontrolling the security functions and cooperation of the plurality ofindividual processing modules with the base module and includes powerand data connectors on said base module to which said processing modulesare mated to provide physical support and data connectivity for each ofthe plurality of individual processing modules that is programmed toexecute specific data analysis functions relating to access to externalcomputer networks, so that the processing modules are directly attachedto the base module, the base module being removably, electronicallyconnected to and physically supported from a modem module that providesexclusive connectivity incoming and outgoing data that passesexclusively through the base module, such that the processing modulesare physically supported on the base module, is controlled by softwaresupported entirely on the base module and the modem is also pluggeddirectly into the base module, allowing utilization of internal orshared resources amongst the base module and the processing modules;electrical power module connected to said processing modules, theelectrical power connection being provided through the base module; anda data line switch for providing electronic data communication betweensaid processing modules and said base module, wherein said means forelectronic data communication comprises a connector mechanism that ishoused in said base module and allows the plurality of individualprocessing modules to be plugged directly into the base module,supporting the plurality of individual processing modules against thebase module and leaving the plurality of individual processing modulesvisible and accessible by projecting from the base module; where saidcomputer system access device will house a power supply and a dataprocessor with an operating system and software applications to store,update, and perform all necessary functions to control, monitor,processes, and manage all incoming and outgoing data and programmed tofunction as a stand-alone multi-functional primary source of electronicdata management and electronic data processing for all incoming andoutgoing data types as tailored by the modules attached to the base unitand programmed to control the data line switch depending on datatransmission programming obtained from the processing modules therebyallowing the base unit to function as a source of electronic datamanagement and electronic data processing for all incoming and outgoingdata types transmitted through the modem, creating a self-contained,stand-alone device that protects access to the computer system.
 2. Thecomputer system device of claim 1 wherein the multi functional computersystem device functions is a secondary source of electronic datamanagement and electronic data processing for all incoming and outgoingdata types.
 3. The computer system device of claim 1 wherein the multifunctional computer system device is installed in series between atarget PC and external networks such that all incoming and outgoing datatypes are monitored and processed by the computer system device beforebeing release to said protected target PC and said external networksrespectively.
 4. The computer system device of claim 1 wherein the multifunctional computer system device houses all of the processing andsoftware means for data and equipment protection from data networktransmission of malicious codes, programs and the physical and softwaremeans to disintegrate, isolate and separate share resources from nonInternet based computer functions and Internet based functions.
 5. Thecomputer system device of claim 1 wherein said means for electronic datacommunication and said means for providing electrical power comprise twopower and two data connectors on each processing module such thatmultiple processing modules may mated to each other in series.
 6. Thecomputer system device of claim 1 wherein the data processor in saidbase is programmed to control electrical power and manage communicationnetwork connectivity between all modules and outside network devices,and said processing modules are geometrically distinguishable from oneanother while plugged into the base module, thereby allowing a user toidentify the task of specific modules by geometric appearance.